After retiring its aging C-130 tanker fleet in 2020, the Spanish Air and Space Force adds the first of three advanced Airbus tanker aircraft to restore critical refueling capabilities for expeditionary operations.
The Spanish Air and Space Force has officially put its first Airbus Defence and Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) into service, significantly enhancing the country’s aerial refueling and military transport capabilities.
The aircraft has been assigned to the air force’s 45th wing and represents the first of three A330 MRTTs ordered by Spain, according to Airbus. The tanker will operate from Torrejon de Ardoz air base, where it was delivered following conversion work at Airbus facilities in Getafe, near Madrid.
“With the entry into service of this first A330 MRTT, the Spanish Air and Space Force now has the world’s best tanker aircraft in its fleet,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space. “The MRTT will not only provide interoperability with allied nations and strategic autonomy, but will also significantly increase projection, aerial evacuation and in-flight refuelling capabilities.”
The aircraft, just over nine years old, began its life as an A330-200 airliner with Spanish flag carrier Iberia before undergoing extensive modification to military tanker configuration. The conversion process equipped the aircraft with a hose-and-drogue refueling system. The tanker is powered by two GE Aerospace CF6 engines.
Spain ordered the three tankers in 2021, emphasizing at the time that renewing its in-flight refueling capability was “critical” for expeditionary operations and “to satisfy commitments with partners or allies.”
The new A330 MRTT fills a capability gap created in 2020 when Spain retired its entire fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft, including KC-variant tankers that previously handled aerial refueling missions. While some of Spain’s A400M tactical transport aircraft can perform aerial refueling, the MRTT represents a substantial upgrade in overall capability.
Key Takeaways
- Spain’s first A330 MRTT enters service with two more on order.
- Aircraft converted from 9-year-old former Iberia A330-200 airliners.
- Restores critical aerial refueling capability lost when C-130 tankers were retired in 2020.
- Features hose-and-drogue refueling system and GE Aerospace CF6 engines.
- Will operate from Torrejon de Ardoz air base near Madrid.
